MNEMONICS IN MATERNAL AND CHILD NURSING

1. Factors That Can Put a Pregnancy at Risk

RIBCAGE
R-Radiation
I-Immune reaction
B-Bugs (infection)
C-Cervical incompetence
A-Anatomical anomaly
G-Genetic
E-Endocrine

Description
Common causes that can place a pregnancy at risk for miscarriage and other problems

2. Fetal Accelerations and Decelerations

VEAL CHOP
V-Variable
E-Early
A-Accelerations
L-Late

C-Cord Compression
H-Head Compression
O-Okay
P-Placental Insufficiency

Description
A fetal acceleration is an abrupt increase in fetal heart rate above the established baseline. A fetal
deceleration is a decrease in fetal heart rate below the established fetal heart rate. VEAL CHOP can be
used to help remember how to interpret fetal heart rate during labor. For example, early decelerations in
FHR (fetal heart rate) indicate head compression. It is typical for deceleration in FHR during a contraction
because of head compression, but FHR should return to normal when contraction ends.

3. Fetal Distress Interventions Nursing

Stop MOAN
S-STOP infusion
M-Mom turned on side
O-O2 administration
A-Assess baby and mom to see if changes occurred
N-Notify Provider

Description
These interventions should be implemented if a fetus is in distress during induction of labor with uterine
stimulants. First things first, STOP the infusion, Mom should be turned to her side, give supplemental O2,
Assess mom and baby, and notify the provider

4. Fetal Wellbeing Assessment Tests

ALONE
A-Amniocentesis
L-L/S Ratio
O-Oxytocin Test
N-Non-Stress Test
E-Estriol Level

Description
An amniocentesis is performed during the prenatal period. A needle is inserted to obtain a sample of
amniotic fluid, which can be used to identify chromosomal abnormalities. L/S ratio compares lecithin–
phosphatidyl choline to sphingomyelin to identify infant lung maturity. The oxytocin test measures fetal
heart rate during contractions induced by oxytocin. A non- stress test measures fetal heart rate while
baby is at rest and while baby is moving. Estriol levels in mother’s blood can be a marker for fetal well-
being.

5. HELLP Syndrome – Signs and Symptoms

HELLP
H-Hemolysis
E-Elevated
L-Liver function tests
L-Low
P-Platelet count

Description
HELLP syndrome is a severe and life-threatening complication, typically related to preeclampsia. It
typically occurs in the third trimester. The defining characteristics are hemolysis (breakdown of red blood
cells), elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count.

6. Infections During Pregnancy Nursing

TORCH
T-Toxoplasmosis
O-Other (Group B Strep, HIV, Syphilis)
R-Rubella
C-Cytomegalovirus
H-Herpes Simplex

Description
These are the possible types of infections that can affect both the mother and the fetus during
pregnancy. They are Toxoplasmosis, other (GBS, HIV, Syphilis), Rubella, Cytomegalovirus and Herpes
Simplex
7. Reactivation of Herpes Zoster Nursing

FICA
F-Fetal exposure
I-Immunosuppression
C-Chickenpox as a child
A-Aging

Description
These are common risk factors for reactivation of the varicella zoster virus into herpes zoster (shingles)